Rapid Bucureşti vs CFR Cluj Prediction: Both sides looking for a first-win

Rapid Bucureşti and CFR Cluj will both aim to secure their first championship group win when they face off at the Superbet Arena-Giulești on Saturday. Below are previews, possible starting 11, expert betting tips, and odds.

Rapid Bucureşti

WDWLL

Rapid Bucureşti head into this clash after suffering two successive losses, first a 2-1 defeat against Farul followed by another 2-1 loss against Univ. Craiova. Despite controlling the tempo of the game against Univ. Craiova with 60% possession and 18 goal attempts, Rapid Bucureşti were unlucky. They have won only 1 game in their last 4 outings. Rapid Bucureşti currently sit 4th on the table with 28 points, level with 3rd-placed CFR Cluj.

CFR Cluj

DDWLD

CFR Cluj come into this clash following a disappointing 4-0 exit from the domestic cup, where they were defeated by lower division side Hunedoara. The match saw Cluj's Panagiotis Tachtsidis receive a red card in the 11th minute, likely impacting the team's performance. This loss extends CFR Cluj's winless streak to 3 games in all competitions. Currently, they sit 3rd in the championship group with 28 points, trailing table-toppers FCSB by 10 points.

Possible Starting 11

Rapid Bucureşti – Mihai Aioani, Christopher Braun, Iulian Cristea, Paul Iacob, Andrei Borza, Jakub Hromada, Damjan Djokovic, Funsho Bamgboye, Florent Hasani, Jayson Papeau, Albion Rrahmani.

CFR Cluj – Razvan Sava, Cristian Manea, Vasile Mogos, Matija Boben, Camora, Karlo Muhar, Kader Keita, Durel Avounou, Ciprian Ioan Deac, Peter Michael, Philip Otele.

Expert Betting Tips

Both sides have yet to secure a win in the two championship group games played, and they currently sit level on points with 28 each. Given their similar form, I expect this match to result in a draw with few goals scored.

• HT: X for 2.10 odds
• Under 2.5 for 1.80 odds
• FT: X for 3.40 odds